GOP lawmakers fear that Musk-backed third-party candidates could act as spoilers in tight races, siphoning conservative votes and benefiting Democrats in critical contests. According to The Hill, Republican strategists note that third-party candidates have previously swung outcomes in both presidential and Senate elections.

Before we assess the eternally unrealized dream of a potent third party in American politics, let’s consider the specific, recently emergent dream of one specific man: Elon Musk.

If the story of other tech-fueled parties is any indication, it could well survive a while — but struggle for any real traction with American voters.